Mahindra Thar Roxx, Scorpio N Support ISRO Space Simulation
LEH, LADAKH – In a groundbreaking collaboration blending automotive engineering and space exploration, Mahindra’s flagship off-road SUVs—the Thar Roxx and Scorpio N—have successfully supported the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during its first analogue space mission in Ladakh. The expedition, "Between Two Worlds 2025," concluded this week at the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE), a site chosen for its Moon- and Mars-like terrain .
1. Mission Overview: Simulating Extraterrestrial Life
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Objective: Conduct India’s inaugural human isolation study to prepare for future Moon and Mars missions. Participants lived in extreme isolation while testing habitat designs, resource management systems, and psychological resilience protocols.
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Location: The HOPE base in Ladakh (elevation: ~4,500m) replicates extraterrestrial conditions with its cold, arid climate, rocky geology, and thin atmosphere.
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Partners: Led by Protoplanet (an ISRO-registered space tutor) with Mahindra Automotive, the University of Ladakh, and IIT Bombay .
2. SUVs: The Unsung Heroes of the Expedition
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As the only vehicles capable of navigating Ladakh’s treacherous terrain, the Thar Roxx and Scorpio N played critical logistical roles:
3. Mahindra Thar Roxx:
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Capabilities: Equipped with 4Xplor off-road tech, including Electronic Locking Differential (ELD), Crawl Smart control, and terrain-specific modes (Snow, Sand, Mud) 18.
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Role: Transported scientists and equipment across high-altitude passes like Tanglang La (5,328m) and dry lake beds.
4. Mahindra Scorpio N:
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Capabilities: Featured 4Xplor Terrain Management, mechanical locking rear differential, and pentalink rear suspension for stability on uneven surfaces.
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Role: Ferried supplies and supported astrobiology/geology field research in remote zones like Puga and Tso Kar.
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"These SUVs were indispensable. Their reliability in oxygen-scarce environments ensured our crew could focus on scientific discovery without logistical worries."
– Expedition Lead, Protoplanet
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Scientific Activities & Cultural Integration
The July 30–August 6 expedition blended rigorous research with cultural engagement:
5. Space Research:
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Acclimatization drills for high-altitude survival.
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Geological surveys mimicking Martian rock sampling.
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Astrobiology workshops in collaboration with global experts.
6.Cultural Elements:
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Stargazing sessions are aligned with the International Dark Sky Movement.
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Pottery workshops and collaborations with Ladakhi artisans.
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Routes Covered: Leh, Saboo, Likir, Tso Kar, and Puga.
7.Technical Edge:
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Thar Roxx: 177PS petrol/175PS diesel engines, 380Nm torque, and Level 2 ADAS for autonomous obstacle avoidance .
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Scorpio N: 203PS petrol/175PS diesel engines, 400Nm torque, and hydraulic steering for low-friction terrain .
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Cost Efficiency: With prices starting at ₹12.99 lakh (Thar Roxx) and ₹13.99 lakh (Scorpio N), they offered high capability at lower costs than imported alternatives.
Why Mahindra? Engineering Meets Extreme Conditions
Proven Durability: Both SUVs boast 5-star Global NCAP safety ratings and are engineered for -20°C to 50°C operational ranges .
Broader Implications for India’s Space Ambitions
This mission marks a strategic step in ISRO’s interplanetary goals:
Supports the Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight program by studying human resilience in isolation.
Positions Ladakh as a global analogue research hub, akin to Hawaii’s HI-SEAS or Antarctica’s Concordia Station
